For 90 days get to know more about the international faces of the NBA. Day 65 brings…
Zaza Pachulia (PF/C, Milwaukee Bucks), Georgia
Height: 2.11m, 6-foot-11 | Weight: 125kg, 275 pounds | Born: 10 February, 1984
Zaza Pachulia brings energy and effort to the court. Two things that may not be reflected in numbers, but wins respect from coaches.
"Zaza is going to do whatever it takes to be ready, whether he starts or whether he comes in off the bench. A real pro, that's his approach," Larry Drew told Hawks.com.
The Georgian big man spent his rookie season with Orlando, his sophomore season in Milwaukee, the next eight at Atlanta and last season found himself a Buck again. Despite moving around, his game has been consistent. He's known for going to the glass and using his physicality to box-out opponents on both ends of the floor. He also uses his size to draw fouls and for a big man had a commendable free-throw percentage at 84.6% last season.
As a veteran on the Bucks team in 2013-14 he took on the role of distributor as well, with 136 total assists, far more than any other season despite only playing 53 games. A broken leg caused him to miss two months in the middle of the season, but he started and ended in strong fashion.
As the new season approaches, Pachulia will look to continue his role, tearing up the boards and brining lots of energy.
Key Stats:
2013-14 Season: GP: 53 | MPG: 25.0 | PTS: 7.7 | REB: 6.3 | FT%: 84.6%
Season Highlight: He scored 17 points, had 13 rebounds, three assists and four steal on 18 March against Portland.
Five Things To Know
1. He was 2.04 meters (6-foot-8) by age 13.
2. He was scouted and recruited by Turkish professional team Ulkerspor to play for them at age 15.
3. He is the captain of the Georgian National Basketball team.
4. He legally changed his first name from Zaur to Zaza.
5. He owned a restaurant and bar when he was living in Atlanta.
Check out Pachulia's photos and video in the LEAGUE section of NBA Game Time.
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